Deconstructing 'Functional Training': Translating a Broad Concept for Elite Performance
In the lexicon of modern sports science, "functional training" is a term frequently used, often encompassing a wide array of exercises and methodologies aimed at improving performance in sport-specific movements.
Beyond the Hype: Applying High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Science in Elite Basketball
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has become a buzzword in sports performance, promising significant gains in various fitness attributes. For elite basketball teams, where explosive movements, rapid changes of direction, and sustained effort are paramount, optimizing training methods like HIIT is crucial for gaining a competitive edge. However, as a recent systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of HIIT on basketball players highlights, translating the general principles of HIIT into truly effective, sport-specific programming for elite athletes requires a deep understanding of the nuances within the research.
Decoding Stiffness: How to Translate Strength and Conditioning Research into Elite Performance
In the relentless pursuit of athletic superiority, elite sports teams constantly seek to optimize every aspect of their athletes' physical preparation. Strength and conditioning (S&C) is a cornerstone of this process, with coaches and practitioners meticulously designing programs to enhance performance metrics.
What Supplement Research for Swimmers Tells Us About the Challenge for Elite Teams
Elite sports operate on fine margins. A fraction of a second, a subtle shift in strategy, or a marginal gain in athlete readiness can mean the difference between victory and second place. In this high-stakes environment, staying ahead often means leveraging the latest advancements in sports science.
Feeling Fine vs. Structurally Sound: The Complex Reality of Tendinopathy Management in Elite Athletes
Tendon overuse injuries, or tendinopathies, are a significant burden in elite sports, causing pain, reducing athletic performance, and sometimes curtailing careers.
The Digital Arc: Navigating the Science of Throwing in Virtual Environments
Throwing is a fundamental athletic skill, critical in sports ranging from baseball and cricket to handball and American football. Developing and refining this complex motor skill requires countless repetitions and precise feedback. With the advent of Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual environments (VEs), there's growing interest in using these technologies to supplement traditional throwing practice.